Cody Alan Pays Tribute To Bob Kingsley

The country community is mourning the loss of radio legend, Bob Kingsley.

The National Radio Hall of Fame member passed away at his home in Weatherford, Texas, after a battle with bladder cancer. He was 80.

CMT's Cody Alan cites Bob as a leader for the profession and a champion for on-air personalities. Cody’s connection to Bob started when Cody was a child and would spend his time listening to Bob count down the hits on his weekend countdown show. Later, the two radio DJs would connect as colleagues. Those moments impacted Cody’s career deeply.

Cody shared his grief on Instagram, saying, “I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my longtime friend, Bob Kingsley, and my heart breaks for his wife Nan. Anyone who loves country music knows Bob’s iconic voice. His countdown is the standard. For generations, he cut through the radio with warmth and the kind of storytelling only Bob could do, always a champion for the music. I got to know him during my years in Texas. We became friends. We would call or text about music, radio, life, politics, anything. Always encouraging at whatever career step, or life change I was going through. When I came out, he reached out to me with such kindness. Through whatever, I often could hardly believe he cared so much. It was always a little surreal to know I was speaking with that voice I listened to on the radio all those years growing up, wanting to be like. They say legends are made, not born. Certainly, Bob’s back story is exactly that. Read it, and you’ll see he worked hard to become the legend he will always be remembered as. One more thing - it’s rare to find anyone in any industry who is beloved by all, but in the country music industry, that was Bob. Everyone loved him! As did I...RIP, Bob.”

A celebration of life will be held in Nashville on Nov. 14 at 1:00 p.m. at The CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kingsley’s name to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund.